Real Madrid face Chelsea in the Champions League this midweek and they’ll be taking on a team that are defending excellently.
Frank Lampard‘s Chelsea side conceded nine goals in five matches over the Christmas period this season and picked up just one victory, leaving them in ninth position in the Premier League.
This poor run ultimately cost Lampard his job and saw Thomas Tuchel take charge at Stamford Bridge, with the defence immediately improving.
“It was important to improve the defensive record we had,” explained defender César Azpilicueta.
“We were conceding too many goals and we were not solid enough. In football it is difficult to win every game 3-2, 4-3, 4-2. Sometimes you have to win 1-0 and have a strong, solid performance at the back.
“As a team we defend together, and we work together with the same idea. It’s what we have improved a lot.
“Also, when you have the attacking players we do, doing an amazing job every single game, pressing high, every bit helps the defenders.
“Working together with the same goal is key in achieving the results.”
Tuchel’s defensive numbers
Chelsea have now kept 15 clean sheets in the 20 games in which the German has been in charge, conceding just nine, five of which came against West Brom.
This is a stark contrast to Lampard‘s side who conceded 54 goals over the 2019/20 season, with only nine clean sheets.
Before Tuchel‘s arrival, the Blues had leaked 23 goals in 19 matches, but have kept nine clean sheets in 13 Premier League matches under his charge.
His side are now only second to Manchester City in the goals against ranking, having conceded 31 compared to City‘s 24.
Already Tuchel has earned clean sheets against Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Diego Simeone. Next up, on Tuesday, he’ll face Zinedine Zidane.
